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Direct Access Program

The FCC Bookstore, in partnership with multiple publishers, has developed a program that will offer students direct access
to their course materials through Blackboard at the lowest cost available.

With this program, students will have immediate access to their course material on the first day of class.

The goals of this initiative are to (1) provide students with more affordable course materials, and (2) improve educational
outcomes for students and enhance the student experience on a common digital platform via Blackboard.

How it works!

The Very Simple Process:

Students are sent an email before classes begin with instructions on how to access their digital course material content.
Access to the content is through Blackboard and available before the first day of class.

Students enjoy free access to the content during the first two weeks of class.

After the free two weeks, to retain access a student does nothing! A charge is conveniently billed to the student’s account.

Register for a course at FCC. Use the course number and section to access your materials on Blackboard. Retain access until
course end and beyond! The materials are yours, and many times do not expire for up to 3 years. The Direct Access program
gives students everything they need to succeed, on the very first day of class.

Direct Access and Affordable Course Materials Initiative FAQ

1. What is Direct Access? The Direct Access program is a new textbook model in collaboration with publishers that
converts books into digital content. All students enrolled in a class purchase the content, lowering the cost for everyone.
All students in that class also get access to the content on the first day of class and will not be billed for it until
after the tenth day of class. The digital content also includes Interactive Learning Platforms.

2. What is an Interactive or Adaptive Learning Platform? Interactive Learning Platforms are much more than e-books.
They are interactive software platforms developed to provide an enhanced learning experience beyond reading the text.
They may include multi-media video and audio presentations, adaptive quizzes and homework, which link directly to the
text. They also allow for various levels of customization by the instructor and peer-to-peer sharing of notes.

3. How much does Direct Access cost? The price varies depending upon the course materials chosen by the instructor,
but most are priced at an average of 50% to 70% off the cost of a printed text.

4. How will I get my access code? If your instructor is using Direct Access, you are already enrolled. You will
be notified via email prior to the start of class with access instructions, the discounted pricing and information on
opting out.

5. How do I pay for my access? The access is free for the first 10 days of the course. After 10 days, all enrolled
students who have not opted out of the program or dropped the course will have the discounted price billed to their student
account. No waiting in line with a heavy, expensive book!

6. What does it mean to opt-out? If you do not wish to participate in Direct Access, you have the first 10 days
of class to opt out of the program online (the opt-out procedure will be included in your emailed information). If you
opt out by the deadline given, access to the online content will be turned off and you will not be billed.

7. I opted out by mistake and realized that I still need my access. Can I opt back in? Yes. Simply email the us
at bookstore@frederick.edu to request that your access be reinstated.

8. I did not opt out, but I did not register my access or use the online platform. Will I still be billed? Yes.
All students who are enrolled in a course using Direct Access are automatically considered part of the program. To avoid
being billed you must opt out online during the first 2 weeks of class.

9. I dropped the course. Do I still need to opt out? Students who drop the course during the first 10 days of
class will automatically be “opted out” and will not be billed. Students who drop after the tenth day will have five
days to notify the bookstore at bookstore@frederick.edu

10. I forgot to opt out and missed the deadline. Can I get a refund now? Once billing has been completed, the
only option for a retroactive refund is with withdrawal documentation. Please email the bookstore at bookstore@frederick.edu
with documentation to request a refund.

11. Who should I contact if I am having trouble with access to the online content? First, try the online help
desk of the publisher for you course’s content (see links below). The publisher of your content should be listed in the
initial email you received about your access. If you are unable to find your publisher is, or if you are unable to get
resolution from your publisher please contact the bookstore at bookstore@frederick.edu for further assistance.

12. I already have access to the online platform from a previous course. Can I continue without paying twice?
If you are in a continuing series course and paid for access, you can log in with your original account and simply assign
your new course ID to access the homework.

13. I added the class late. Do I still have 10 days before being billed? Billing begins on the 11th day of class.
If you added the class on the ninth day or later, you will have 48 hours (two days) to decide whether to opt out before
being billed.

14. I didn’t get an email about my course, but other students in my class did. Was I sent an email? All enrolled
and wait-listed students are emailed about the program. If it is not in a spam folder or was accidentally deleted, email
the bookstore at bookstore@frederick.edu for access instructions.

15. I have further questions that were not addressed. Who do I contact? If your question wasn’t answered in the
FAQ, please email bookstore@frederick.edu for more information.